I read The Help over a rainy Seattle weekend back in November of 2010. I had a hard time putting the book down as it was so well written and filled me with a wide range of emotion. When I heard that that the movie would be out in the summer of 2011, I was eager for its release. Unfortunately, I never did get the opportunity to see it in the theater. Since becoming a mom, the only movies I tend to see in the theater are rated G and in 3D. So when I was given the opportunity to review the 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack of the The Help, I was thrilled! And my anticipation was not in vain as this was a great movie, true to the book and performed by some amazing actors.

If you’re not familiar with The Help here’s a synopsis:

The #1 New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the powerful 
performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast. The Help is an inspirational, courageous and empowering
story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project — one that breaks society’s rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy, humor and hope — and complete with compelling, never-before-seen bonus features — The Help is a timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.

The Help stars Emma Stone as the courageous Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, who goes against the beliefs of 
her family and friends to find her own voice. The critically praised, emotional performance of Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark, a woman who secretly dreams of one day having more than she has been given, offers a deep emotional storyline. The breakthrough performance of Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson, whose sass and tough exterior disguise the pain and fear she faces every day, brings both drama and humor to the film. Bryce Dallas Howard breathes life into the catty Jackson socialite Hilly Holbrook and Jessica Chastain brings charm and humor as Celia Foote, a kind housewife living outside of town who longs to fit in. Sissy Spacek, Allison Janney and Ahna O‟Reilly also provide vivacious performances that round out this all-star female ensemble.

On December 6th, 2011 The Help was released on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD, Digital Download and On-Demand. I love owning a Blu-ray DVD player, not just for the superior sound and image quality, but also since most Blu-ray movies come with tons of extras. I received The Help 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pak which includes the Blu-ray disc and a regular DVD disc that I can put in my car, portable DVD player or just lend to my Blu-ray deprived friends. There is also a 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pak available that has a downloadable copy of the movie.

Both the 3-Disc and 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Packs include a number of bonus features that are well worth checking out. They include:

The Making of “The Help:” From Friendship To Film Find out more about the friendship between director and screenplay writer Tate Taylor and author Kathryn Stockett and the process it took to bring this story to the big screen. Commentary from the crew and actors on the making of the film is also included which is always an entertaining way to learn more about their time on set.

In Their Own Words: A Tribute To The Maids Of Mississippi An informative look at the women who worked as maids and provides a deeper understanding of the relationships that form between maids and their employers as well as the children they care for.

Also included are deleted scenes (my favorite!) and a music video, “The Living Proof” from nine-time Grammy Award®-winning and multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter, Mary J. Blige.

The Help can be found just in time for the holidays in these formats:
3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack  (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) = $44.99 U.S./$51.99 Canada  
2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada 
1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada 
For Fans of The Help movie:
“Like” the Help Facebook page
Follow The Help Movie on Twitter 
Visit the website and mobile site:

Disclosure – This product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Emily:

Emily is also very active in the local MOMS CLUB. She raises chickens and has 2 shih tzus. Her daughter Caitlyn attends Montessori school and she hates housecleaning, loves wine and enjoys dining out. She would love to find a cure for the depression and anxiety she has dealt with on and off over the past 10 years, just like me. She is an amazing mom and friend.